Monday, October 31, 2011

A Little Lithia Preamble

We are now on the precipice of the 2011 edition of the Lithia Loop Trail Marathon. Many of you have decided that, NOW, is the time to enter. I can't help but imagine how fit our participants are compared to any "old" marathon. I mean how is it that 25% of the entrant base signs up in the last week, this is a 26.2 mile race people!

All I'm saying is, it add up to our best turn out yet. I hope we can entice a few more to leap in come Saturday. Speaking of which, yes it is a Saturday marathon, how RUDE. Never mind that the Oregon State Cross Country meet is this weekend in Eugene, the USATF Trail Marathon Championships are in Ashland for the third year in a row.

Max King, the reigning World Mountain Running Champion, is back to defend his title against a bevy of challengers. Erik Skaggs will finally race the course after years of training on the infamous loop and John Tribbia, 3rd place in 2010, contends from Colorado once again. There are at least a handful of other qualified runners that will be gunning for the top spot come race day.

On the ladies side, Jenn Shelton has finally found it within herself to compete for the title as have a number of local superstars including Bree Ray and, well, Bend citizen and 50k national champ Stephanie Howe. Megan Lund, a 2:41 marathoner from Basalt ,Colorado is fit and ready to capture the title as Titan of the Trail as well. Surely the first 8 miles and 3000 feet of gain will give her little to no hesitation come Saturday morning.

Stay tuned for more info, but be prepared for any weather condition although it looks like it will be perfect for running at 2,000 and 5,000 feet.